The Marketing for Smarties workshop helps businesses develop a sustainable, low-cost process for generating a steady flow of business opportunities, because the focus is on methods that produce new leads or prospects continually and that keep existing customers coming back for more. It can help a small business grow revenues.

In Marketing for Smarties, entrepreneurs receive the guidance necessary to develop a clear positioning statement (“copy platform”), a marketing and sales process, and a simple marketing plan. Participants benefit as well from the personal coaching and peer feedback provided throughout the program.

Marketing for Smarties is offered by the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and consists of four sequential sessions held on Thursdays — March 24, April 14, April 28 and May 19 — from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce. The certified coach for the course is local business consultant Patsy Lindblad. The fee for the workshop is $149, including book and all materials.

Those requiring financial assistance and who apply by March 18 will be eligible for consideration of one full Region 9 scholarship. Two half scholarships sponsored by a local business will be available to qualified candidates that finish the course. Class attendees who submit an approved copy platform will receive a $25 award. Completion of this Marketing for Smarties workshop qualifies participants for Town of Pagosa Springs economic stimulus tax credits.

Seating is limited to 10, so early registration is recommended. Contact Lynn Asano at the SBDC, 247-7009 or e-mail her at asano_l@fortlewis.edu.